A Senior Capstone Experience by Jevon Smalls ’25

Submitted to Department of Psychology

Advised by Dr. Kevin McKillop

Contributor Biography: Jevon is currently studying at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland to pursue a Master’s of Science in Environmental Biology with a GIS Certificate. He hopes to continue to conduct research involving animal behavior and wildlife conservation after obtaining his next degree.

Description: This Senior Capstone project observes and analyzes the various behaviors and activities performed by black-handed spider monkeys and black-tailed prairie dogs on busy (i.e., Saturday) vs. non-busy (i.e., Sunday) days at the Salisbury Zoological Park, commonly known as the Salisbury Zoo, located in Salisbury, Maryland. Surveys were distributed to zoo visitors, asking questions about their own behavior in a zoo setting as well as questions pertaining to the behavior of their observed animal. Video footage was also taken to be later analyzed. The most significant findings were that both examined species were significantly more active on non-busy days.

Read Jevon’s SCE below: